Changing the bride’s name is a common custom followed in India. The girl carries her parents name or her maiden name before marriage. Her maiden name is changed as she now belongs to a new family.

Names hold importance when it comes to weddings. The first name of a woman is considered her maiden name and is substituted by her husband’s surname after marriage. In some cases, even the first name of the bride is changed. In some parts of India, the bride accepts her husband’s surname as her own after marriage. Whereas in South India, women’s do not adopt their husband’s surname instead she adopts the first name of her husband. In Western parts of Maharashtra, it is the custom to adopt both the husband’s name and surname after marriage.

Some things need to be kept in mind while changing the name after marriage. An extra marriage certificate needs to be issued. Complete detailed documents of the changed name should be sent along with the passport and certificate of marriage, so that necessary changes can be made. One should order several replacement forms for checks, credit cards, business cards and any other documents that contained the old name. This practice can even be done through newspapers for official and public declaration. The registration number of mortgage and insurance companies should be changed. An announcement should be made to family members and friends.

It is not compulsory that the bride changes her maiden name. It may be retained if she does not wish to change it. The intention behind changing the name is to signify her belonging towards her husband and her in-laws.